Anime Midwest Announces Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe

Lisle, IL – May 14, 2012 – Anime Midwest 2012, one of the largest up-and-coming anime conventions to happen in the Chicagoland region, is happy to announce their first ever Japanese guest, director Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe, will be appearing at the 2012 Chicago anime con. Nabeshin will participate in Q&A sessions and special screenings, with the help of his translator, in addition to giving out autographs. Anime Midwest will be held at the Wyndham Hotel & Convention Center in Lisle, Illinois from July 6-8, 2012. Registration is only $30 in advance, or $35 at the door for a weekend pass.

Shinichi Watanabe (aka “Nabeshin”) is known to anime fans as a larger-than-life, iconic figure with an outrageous sense of humor. He directed the comedy anime series Excel Saga, Nerima Daikon Brothers, and Puni Puni Poemy, which feature frenetic pacing and appearances by his animated alter ego, a mysterious, recurring character with an afro and distinctive outfit who is tangential to the story. Nabeshin has also served as series director for The Wallflower and Tenchi Muyo! GXP, and he can be found in these series as well, in cameo or supporting roles.

Nabeshin has been quoted as saying that he places great importance in making viewers laugh. Stating that he values laughter as much as tears, his preference is to motivate viewers to have fun and enjoy a show. He reasons that his success stems from provoking the same, strong emotional investment—in a humorous way—as a traditional, sentimental story does.

Nabeshin has also written lyrics for the opening songs of Excel Saga and Tenchi Muyo! GXP, and has served as storyboarder and episode director for a variety of other anime series.

Nabeshin will be doing numerous panels at the convention, including “Q&A with Nabeshin’s Afro,” a couple 18+ panels, and more!

Shinichi Watanabe / Nabeshin joins numerous other stars at this midwest anime convention. Previously announced stars include the English cast of Panty & Stocking, Jamie Marchi (Panty), Ian Sinclair (Chuck), and Joel McDonald (Brief), in addition to LittleKuriboh of Yu-Gi-Oh abridged. The convention also features performances by the sensational Random aka MegaRan, The Pillowcases, V is for Villains, FanService Renji, and the Level Boys. All the convention’s guests will be available in various panels, interview sesions, Q&A sessions, and more. The complete guest list can be found online athttp://animemidwest.com/guests

There will be over 60 different events packed into one weekend at Anime Midwest. Featured special events at Anime Midwest include a cosplay masquerade contest, anime screenings, autographs, fan panels, workshops, a date auction, a formal dance, and two rave dances in addition to many other events.

Anime Midwest will be held July 6-8, 2012, at the Wyndham Hotel & Convention Center in Lisle, Illinois, about twenty minutes from downtown Chicago. Anime fans can get rooms for the convention online at http://animemidwest.com/location for only $99.99 per night. Weekend registration is online for only $30 until June 10th, or $35 at the door for a weekend pass. Online registration can be found at http://animemidwest.com/register

Registration for the convention includes unlimited free Mt. Dew and Pepsi products all weekend for all attendees.